Wisconsin Man to Stand Trial for Child Neglect in Disappearance of 3-Year-Old

A Wisconsin man, Jesse Vang, 39, has been ordered to stand trial on a child neglect charge in the disappearance of 3-year-old Elijah Vue. This decision came after a Manitowoc County judge ruled that there was enough evidence to move the case forward, despite a defense motion to drop the case against Vang. Vang is the boyfriend of Elijah’s mother, Katrina Baur of Wisconsin Dells, who is also facing criminal charges related to the child's neglect.

Evidence and Charges

After hearing testimony from two law enforcement officers, the judge found sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial. Vang was formally charged with one felony count of party-to-a-crime child neglect and is being held on a $20,000 cash bond. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 16.

On the other hand, Elijah's mother, Katrina Baur, initially faced one felony count of party-to-a-crime child neglect and two misdemeanor counts of resisting or obstructing an officer. However, prosecutors later amended the felony count to a charge of party-to-a-crime chronic child neglect and filed a misdemeanor charge of neglecting a child against her. Baur is being held on a $15,000 cash bond.

Reported Disappearance

Vang reported Elijah missing on Feb. 20, stating that he had taken a nap and brought the 3-year-old into the bedroom with him, but when he awoke three hours later, the child had disappeared.

The case has sparked widespread concern and legal actions, underscoring the importance of parental responsibility and child welfare.